Raven Ruëll . KVS/De Bottelarij

This is one of Claus' lesser-known plays, and depicts a painful episode in Belgian history. It is the story of a childlike king with a lust for power who lived from 1835 to 1909. With infectious acting pleasure, the actors alternate in showing off their skills, in exactly the carnivalesque puppet-theatre style that Claus had in mind. This is a dissection of power with plenty of pastiche and false beards. This play is only on in Brussels, on 29 & 30 August, and 2 to 6 and 9 to 11 September (Bottelarij, 8 pm). More info: www.kvs.be The Theatre Festival will be running a coach from deSingel on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August, leaving at 6.30 pm. Booking essential.